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Toys, books, stuffed animals, their first bike—these are just some of the best gifts for 1-year-olds on their milestone birthday. Sure, babies don’t need all that much at this stage, but the first birthday is arguably one of the most meaningful, so why not use the opportunity to shop for something special?
When browsing, it’s helpful to remember that at a mere 12 months old, babies aren’t all that clued in to what’s happening on their birthday—Mom and Dad are the ones taking notes here. And most parents will be most impressed with something practical (such as comfortable baby clothes) or something that hones a particular developmental skill (like a balance bike or a walker, maybe).
If you really want to go with a toy, look for a baby gift that will really enrich their day-to-day and help their development. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests buying “toys that will grow with the child, foster interactions with caregivers, encourage exploration and problem-solving, and spark the child’s imagination.” This means sensory toys like a water table, wooden puzzles, musical instruments, activity centers, and walkers are all winners. Plus, all the parents we spoke to said push cars to help them get the confidence to venture out during the dizzying toddler era are also great gift ideas.
To help you find the perfect present for the little munchkin in your life, I relied on my own experience in this department (I'm the mom of four kids, all under six!), plus tapped other parents deep in the toddlerverse to find out what they've given and received. Below you'll find highly reviewed picks from baby-focused brands like LeapFrog and Little Tikes, personalized baby gifts from talented artisans, and more.
The best gifts for 1-year-olds, at a glance
- Shanna Shipin is a mom to a toddler and newborn in Los Angeles, as well as a writer specializing in motherhood and parenting, with more than a decade of experience. She’s currently the shopping director at Allure.
- Brigitt Earley is a writer and editor specializing in kids’ shopping, beauty, home, and of course, parenting—she has four children under the age of six.
- Anna Moeslein is the deputy editor at Glamour and a mom of soon-to-be one-year-old twins.
- Stephanie McNeal is a senior editor at Glamour and a mom of a toddler.
